Epithelial ingrowth in descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty associated with vitreous loss.

BACKGROUND: Epithelial ingrowth is a rare but potentially sight-threatening complication caused by the invasion of corneal or conjunctival epithelial cells into the eye during ocular surgeries. DMEK is emerging as a widely used surgery for endothelial keratoplasty with its improved safety profile. We describe a case of epithelial ingrowth in the graft-host interface after uneventful DMEK associated with vitreous prolapse in the anterior chamber. CASE PRESENTATION: An 81-year-old female with Fuchs endothelial dystrophy underwent DMEK for corneal decompensation following cataract surgery. During the DMEK procedure, vitreous prolapse was observed around the intraocular lens (IOL). Her early postoperative course was unremarkable, but a dense paracentral interface opacity was observed during the 3-month follow-up. The area of epithelial ingrowth was imaged with optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a uniform nodule with a discrete increase in interface hyperreflectivity. A low-energy YAG laser was applied to remove the opacity. She maintained good vision and clear cornea without reoccurrence after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that, in addition to the introduction of epithelial cells during surgery, vitreous retention in the anterior chamber may be a risk factor by providing a scaffold that potentially aggravates epithelial ingrowth in DMEK. Our case demonstrated that early YAG intervention may disrupt interface epithelial cell growth, and the transmitted laser energy may fragment the scaffold vitreous noninvasively.

Incidence of vitreous loss and visual outcome following cataract surgery by surgeons with various levels of experience at a tertiary eye care center in North India.

Purpose: To determine the incidence of vitreous loss and visual outcome after a vitreous loss during cataract surgery performed by surgeons with various levels of experience in adults >40 years of age at a tertiary eye care center in North India. Methods: The study was conducted at a tertiary eye care center in North India. This was an observational, retrospective, cross-sectional study of patients who underwent cataract surgery from August 1, 2011 to July 31, 2014. All adult cataract cases who were operated on from August 1, 2011 to July 31, 2014 and who experienced vitreous loss during their surgery were included in the study. The visual outcomes of these patients who experienced vitreous loss during cataract surgery in uncomplicated cataract and were managed using standard automated vitrectomy techniques were assessed for different cataract surgical techniques (extracapsular, small-incision, and phacoemulsification) as well as at different levels of skill of the operative surgeon (consultant, short term fellow, and long-term fellow). Details of the postoperative period and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were collected from patient records by the principal investigator on day 1, 1 week, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months post cataract surgery. Results: Vitreous loss occurred in 374 out of 18,430 patients who underwent cataract surgery from August 1, 2011 to July 31, 2014. The overall incidence of vitreous loss in our study was found to be 2.03% with consultants having a rate of 1.66%, short-term fellows at 5.19%, and long-term fellows at 2.02%. Two hundred eighty-eight patients of the 374 cases followed up for 3 months at the hospital and 75.69% of these patients had a final visual acuity of ≥6/18. Conclusion: In an institute with a structured training program for residents/trainees, the vitreous loss rate is low during cataract surgery. Early intervention and proper management with the standard microsurgical technique by experienced hands can improve the final visual outcome in eyes with vitreous loss. Cystoid macular edema and corneal edema were the most common causes of poor postoperative vision.

Incidence and risk factors for vitreous loss in residents performing manual small-incision cataract surgery.

AIM: To assess the incidence of vitreous loss and associated risk factors in residents performing manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS). METHODS: The present retrospective record review study was performed on 490 patients who underwent MSICS performed between November 2018 and December 2019 by 7 third-year postgraduate residents. The study group comprised of patients having intraoperative vitreous prolapse. All the surgeries were performed under supervision of a trained assistant. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants at the time of surgery was 68.42±2.05y. Of the 490 patients, 250 patients were male, and 240 patients were female (P=0.23). A total of 215 (43.9%) eyes had mature white cataract, 185 (37.8%) eyes had brown cataract, and 90 (18.3%) eyes had immature senile cataract. The incidence of intraoperative vitreous loss among residents was 2% (10/490). Vitreous loss occurred during hydrodissection [1/10 (10%)], nucleus delivery [3/10 (30%)], irrigation and aspiration [5/10 (50%)], and intraocular lens insertion [1/10 (10%)]. Multivariate stepwise Logistic regression analysis confirmed immature senile cataract [odds ratio (OR)=3.99; P=0.02], irrigation and aspiration of cortical material (OR=3.07; P=0.03), and anterior capsular extension (OR=3.22, P=0.03) as independent risk factors for vitreous loss. CONCLUSION: Immature senile cataract, irrigation and aspiration of cortical material, and anterior capsular extension are independent risk factors for vitreous loss. Our findings may serve as a guide for future trainers or residents learning MSICS.

Confidence of UK Ophthalmology Registrars in Managing Posterior Capsular Rupture: Results from a National Trainee Survey.

INTRODUCTION: To establish the level of confidence amongst UK ophthalmology specialist registrars (residents) in managing posterior capsule rupture (PCR) during cataract surgery. METHODS: An online nine-item questionnaire was distributed to all registrars, recruited nationwide via regional representatives. Data collected included stage of training, number of completed cataract operations, cumulative PCR rate, number of PCRs independently managed, understanding of vitrectomy settings and fluidic parameters and access to simulation. Respondents self-evaluated their confidence in managing PCR with vitreous loss. RESULTS: Complete responses were obtained from 248 registrars (35% response rate). Mean number of phacoemulsification procedures performed was 386. For senior registrars (OST 6-7), 35 out of 70 (50%) felt confident to manage PCR independently and 55 out of 70 (78.6%) were either quite confident or very confident at deciding when to implant an intraocular lens during PCR management. Lower confidence levels were noted for junior trainees (OST 1-2). Over 65% of survey respondents had access to relevant simulation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results represent the largest UK survey analysing the confidence of PCR management amongst registrars. Confidence improves with duration of training and increased exposure to management of PCR. However, 50% of senior registrars still lacked confidence to independently manage PCR and vitreous loss. A specific competency-based framework, potentially using a simulator or simulating a PCR event, incorporated into the curriculum may be desirable.

Visual Acuity Outcomes after Phacoemulsification in Eyes with Good Visual Acuity before Cataract Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: to analyse cataract surgery outcomes and related factors in eyes presenting with good visual acuity. SUBJECT AND METHODS: A retrospective longitudinal study of patients undergoing phacoemulsification between 2014 and 2018 in Moorfields Eye Hospital was conducted. Pre- and post-operative visual acuities were analysed. Inclusion criteria were age ≥40 years and pinhole visual acuity ≥6/9 pre-operatively. Exclusion criteria were no post-operative visual acuity data. The visual acuity change variable was also defined according to post-operative visual acuity being above or below the Snellen 6/9 threshold. RESULTS: 2,720 eyes were included. The unaided logMAR visual acuity improved from 0.54 to 0.20 (p < 0.001), the logMAR visual acuity with glasses improved from 0.35 to 0.05 (p < 0.001), and the logMAR pinhole visual acuity improved from 0.17 to 0.13 (p < 0.001); 8.1% of patients had Snellen visual acuity <6/9 post-operatively. Mean follow-up period was 23.6 ± 9.9 days. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with visual acuity <6/9 post-operatively were age (OR = 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.95, 0.98], p < 0.001), vitreous loss (OR = 0.21, 95% CI [0.08, 0.56], p = 0.002), and iris trauma (OR = 0.28, 95% CI [0.10, 0.82] p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Visual acuity improved significantly, although at least 8.1% of them did not reach their pinhole preoperative visual acuity. Worse visual acuity outcomes were associated with increasing age, vitreous loss, and iris trauma. The 6/9 vision threshold may not be able to accurately differentiate those who may benefit from cataract surgery and those who may not.

Vitreous loss-causes, associations, and outcomes: Eight-year analysis in Melaka Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Cataract surgery is associated with a variety of complications, one of which is vitreous loss. Doctors and policymakers should be aware about the precipitating factors, associations, and expected outcomes of vitreous loss. This study was, therefore, undertaken to set guidelines to improve the visual outcomes of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective 8-year analysis was conducted from 2007 to 2014 using the national eye database. Demographic features, ocular comorbidities, grade of surgeon, type of surgery, and the associations with the occurrence of vitreous loss, and the final visual outcomes of these patients were studied. RESULTS: Out of 12,992 eyes, only 3.2% had vitreous loss, mostly aged <40 years. Pseudoexfoliation was the only ocular comorbidity causing vitreous loss. Medical Officers and Gazetting Specialists got more vitreous loss compared to specialists. Intracapsular cataract extraction, phaco convert to extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE), ECCE, and phaco all had a significant vitreous loss. Vitreous loss was the most significant intraoperative complication causing poor vision and resulted in impaired or poor visual outcome. CONCLUSION: Vitreous loss occurred in almost all types of cataract surgeries, especially by junior surgeons, among those aged <40 years and significantly caused poor visual outcome compared to other complications. Pseudoexfoliation had higher occurrence of vitreous loss. Vitreous loss patients had impaired/poor visual outcome due to preexisting comorbidity and astigmatism. Patients at risk and junior surgeons should be closely monitored to improve outcomes. Further studies need to be done to see why and when the vitreous loss occurred.

Complication rate of posterior capsule rupture with vitreous loss during phacoemulsification at a Hawaiian cataract surgical center: a clinical audit.

PURPOSE: To compare the complication rate of posterior capsule rupture (PCR) with vitreous loss during phacoemulsification at an ambulatory surgical center with published results as a clinical audit for quality control. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 3,339 consecutive patients who underwent routine phacoemulsification by four experienced private practice surgeons from January 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012 at The Surgical Suites, Honolulu, HI, USA. All cases with PCR and vitreous loss were identified and selected for the study. Risk factors of this complication were further examined. Data were sent to John H Stroger Jr Hospital of Cook County, Division of Ophthalmology, for literature review, analysis, and write-up. RESULTS: Twenty-three of the 3,339 cases incurred PCR and vitreous loss during phacoemulsification, for an incidence rate of 0.68%. Miosis, shallow chamber, restlessness, pseudoexfoliation syndrome, floppy iris syndrome, and zonulopathy were the main causes. In addition, surgeon volume (number of cases) was inversely correlated with PCR. CONCLUSION: The rate of PCR with vitreous loss during phacoemulsification in this study may be lower than other published results done at academic centers. However, there was no compatible study available for comparison, as existing studies performed at academic centers included resident cases. This study identified risk factors for PCR/vitreous loss both preoperatively and postoperatively that may assist in application of preventive measures to decrease rates of PCR/vitreous loss.

Quantitative analysis of macular thickness following uneventful and complicated cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To compare change of macular thickness after uneventful cataract surgery and after cataract surgery complicated with vitreous loss, using optic coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: Twenty eyes of 20 patients who underwent cataract surgery complicated with posterior capsular tear participated in this retrospective study (Group 2). The fellow eyes of those patients who underwent uneventful cataract surgery served as the control group (Group 1). Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refraction, keratometry, axial length measurement, intraocular lens power calculation, intraocular pressure, and biomicroscopic and posterior segment examinations were done preoperatively. BCVA was evaluated at the postoperative 1st day, 1st week, 1st month, and 3rd month. Macular thickness and volumetric measurements with OCT with MM5 protocol were conducted at the postoperative 3rd month. RESULTS: Logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution BCVA of Group 1 was significantly better than Group 2 at all intervals (P < 0.05). Foveal, parafoveal (superior and temporal), and perifoveal (superior and temporal) macular thickness measurements were significantly higher in Group 2 at month 3 (P < 0.05). Foveal volume was also significantly higher in Group 2 when compared with Group 1 (P < 0.05). In Group 2, two eyes (10%) were diagnosed with clinically significant cystoid macular edema at the 1-month visit. CONCLUSION: Macular thickness was found to be significantly high in eyes undergoing complicated cataract surgery (with posterior capsular tear) when compared with uneventful cataract surgeries of fellow eyes.

Risk Factors for Posterior Capsule Rupture and Vitreous Loss during Phacoemulsification.

PURPOSE: To determine the rate and risk factors of vitreous loss during phacoemulsification in patients with cataracts operated by ophthalmology residents and fellows at Labbafinejad Medical Center. METHODS: This prospective descriptive study included consecutive patients with cataracts undergoing phacoemulsification over a one year period. All patients were operated under local or general anesthesia using the divide and conquer technique. Preoperatively, all patients underwent a complete ocular examination including measurement of visual acuity, slitlamp biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure measurement, and dilated funduscopy. Main outcome measures included the rate of posterior capsular rupture and vitreous loss as well as associated risk factors such as surgical experience, ocular and systemic conditions, and type and severity of the cataract. RESULTS: Overall, 767 eyes of 767 patients with mean age of 63.7±10.3 (range, 25-91) years were operated. The overall rate of vitreous loss was 7.9% which was 5-fold greater in the hands of residents as compared to fellows. Among different factors, older age, female sex, small pupil, small capsulorrhexis, presence of pseudoexfoliation, and high myopia were significantly associated with vitreous loss. The highest rate of vitreous loss occurred in patients with dense nuclear cataracts. CONCLUSION: Considering the higher rate of vitreous loss in patients operated by ophthalmology residents; patients with known risk factors for vitreous loss should better be operated by more experienced surgeons.

Visual outcomes and incidence of vitreous loss among third-year ophthalmology residents performing manual small incision cataract surgery / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To determine the visual outcome and the incidence of vitreous loss in patients undergoing manual small incision cataract surgery(MSICS)by third-year ophthalmology residents.METHODS:Hospital records of 799 consecutive patients undergoing MSICS at Department of Ophthalmology,Prapokklao Hospital by third-year ophthalmology residents between July 2005 and June 2007 were reviewed.Bestcorrected visual acuity(BCVA)were compared between the eyes operated by residents and those operated by the staffs.For the complication of vitreous loss,the study group(patients with vitreous loss)were compared with the control group(patients without vitreous loss)using analytic case-control study.RESULTS:One month postoperatively,91.0%of patients in resident group and 92.5%in the staff group had visual acuity of 6/18 or better.The difference in visual outcome between the two groups was not statistically significant(P =0.526).The incidence of vitreous loss among residents was 5.01%(20/399)and 1.00%(4/400)among the staff.The overall incidence of vitreous loss was 3.0%.The odds that the eyes in the resident group would have an intraoperative complication of vitreous loss were 5.22 times,the odds that the eyes in the staff group would have such a complication(P = 0.002,95%confidential interval(Cl)of relative risk =1.769-15.426).CONCLUSION:Good visual acuity can be achieved after resident perfoming MSICS.The vitreous loss rate in this study is high.

Causes of Unsuccessful Visual Outcome after Cataract Surgery

We evaluated preoperative characteristics, intraoperative problems, and postoperative complications among the patients who underwent phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation by one surgeon. Eyes with postoperative visual acuity was lower than preoperatively or less than 0.4 on Han`s visual acuity chart were designated Group A, 68 eyes (16.4%), and the remaining eyes were Group B, 46 eyes (83.6%). Preoperative characteristics in Group A were uveitis (16.2%), diabetic retinopathy (13.2%), glaucoma (11.8%), macular abnormality (11.8%), etc. Intraoperative complications, posterior capsule reptures with vitreous loss occurred in 21 eyes (5.1%). 8 eyes (11.8%) of the 21 eyes were Group A, 13 eyes (3.8%) were Group B, and the difference between both groups were statistically significant (p<0.01). Postoperatively, cystoid macular edema was occurred in 12 eyes (2.9%). 11 eyes (16.2%) of 12 eyes were Group A, 1 eye (0.3%) was Group B, and the difference between both groups were statistically significant (p<0.01) and 4 eyes were preceded by posterior capsule rupture. From the above results, we recognized the importance of avoiding posterior capsule rupture with vitreous loss. If it does occur, we recommend that meticulous anterior vitrectomy be performed. Following these guidlines should reduce the rate of unsuccessful cataract sugery.